Colchester United boss, John McGreal, admits that it is looking 'rosy' for his team, after another home victory at the expense of bottom club Macclesfield Town.

The U’s are on the crest of a wave in third spot, having won seven of their last 11 league fixtures, Mikael Mandron netting the 29th minute winner over the Silkmen, who recently appointed Sol Campbell as their new boss.

“I’m feeling confident. We have a very good squad that I believe in, and we have young players coming in to back up the group, so it is looking rosy,” enthused McGreal.

“The other week we had injuries and suspensions, which do tell a little bit, but this was another home win, which is terrific. I think our fans are getting good value for money at the moment.

“It was very pleasing, especially during the mid-point of the second half when we gave them a lot of territory.

“It got a bit tight, but overall I thought we were deserved winners on the back of our fine first-half display, when we could have scored two or three goals.

“There are a lot of big boys behind us who keep winning as well. I think seven out of the top eight have won today, so a lot of teams in a similar position are wanting to stay there.

“We want to stay there as well. We are doing the best we can at the moment, with all the clean-sheets, the goals and the performances. I am proud of the boys.”

McGreal gave credit to Campbell’s Macclesfield team – the ex-England, Tottenham and Arsenal defender was appointed on November 27, and Saturday was his first league game in charge.

“We came off it a little bit in the second half, but you have to give credit to Macclesfield,” continued McGreal.

“They are fighting for their lives and Sol (Campbell) has definitely got something going there. I know he has only been there a couple of weeks, but you can see the qualities that they have got and why they had won their previous two games in the league.”

Campbell said: “For me the lads played well and worked hard. Colchester are going well and riding high in the league. But we contained them to long-distance shots.

“You could see Colchester saying to themselves – ‘this was a hard game for us.’

“Colchester are a top, top team, and we gave them a very hard game. A month ago, this would not have just been a 1-0 result.

“I have not had that many training sessions with these players yet. They were a bit rudderless before, but now they have some stability.”